Today we’d like to introduce you to ANDREA WILLIAMS.
Hi ANDREA, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey to where I am today is rooted in a passion for education and a commitment to living a “soft life” filled with intentionality. After spending eight years teaching for a national franchise and owning my own residential preschool, “Beginners University,” I pivoted my focus toward building businesses that celebrate community and creativity.
Today, I am the owner of the plus-size boutique Drea’s Closet, where I focus on empowering women through fashion, and the founder of the women’s social organization “Hey Buttercup”. I am also a published author, having recently released the children’s book Mama’s Good Night Sugars. Each of these ventures allows me to combine my background in education with my desire to foster connection, beauty, and peace in the Houston community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has certainly not been a smooth road, and my path has been marked by significant personal challenges that have deeply shaped my resilience and perspective. Navigating the complexities of a divorce was a transformative period in my life, requiring me to rebuild and redefine my sense of self. Additionally, dealing with the struggle of being unable to birth a child presented a profound emotional hurdle that I have had to navigate with grace and intentionality.
These experiences were not just obstacles; they were pivotal moments that taught me the importance of self-care, strength, and finding beauty in the life I am creating today. They have fueled my commitment to living a “soft life” and have profoundly influenced how I pour into my community and my businesses.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My professional life is a tapestry woven from my background in education and my passion for entrepreneurship and community building. Having previously owned a residential preschool, “Beginners University,” and spent eight years teaching for a national franchise, I bring a nurturing, structured approach to everything I do.
Today, I specialize in creating spaces where women can thrive. As the owner of the plus-size boutique Drea’s Closet, I am known for my eye for fashion styling, particularly for vibrant color palettes and statement accessories. Additionally, I am the founder of the women’s social organization “Hey Buttercup,” where I curate opportunities for connection and community. I am also a published author, with my children’s book, Mama’s Good Night Sugars, allowing me to reach families in a new way.
What sets me apart is my dedication to the “soft life” lifestyle—an intentional, peace-centered approach that I infuse into both my business operations and my community work. I am most proud of my ability to transition successfully across these different roles, all while maintaining a commitment to self-care, independence, and supporting other women in their own journeys of growth.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me, effective networking is all about intentionality and showing up in spaces where community is built. I have found that attending local professional mixers, such as rooftop networking socials, is an invaluable way to make authentic connections.
My advice for finding a mentor or expanding your network is to be clear about your own mission and to seek out environments that align with your personal and professional values. Whether you are leading a community organization like “Hey Buttercup,” where I curate calendars for ongoing member engagement, or managing a boutique, success often comes from being present, approachable, and proactive about initiating those first conversations. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there; the most meaningful connections I have made have come from simply participating in the vibrant professional community here in Houston.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Getupandgodivas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_up_and_go_diva_?igsh=cDhkNW5lY3FjZXc=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1937dSuqo9/
